Child Abuse and Neglect among the Muslim Society: A Case Study in Kuala Lumpur Area

Abstract

This research is about child abuse and neglect among the Muslim society in Kuala Lumpur, from 1998 until 2002. The research objective is to study the cases about the child abuse and neglect, causes and effect to short and long-term consequences from these symptoms to the mental, emotional, and physical development, and discuss about the steps of effective prevention. The methodology of research like interviews, questionnaire and reviewing relevant document were the tools employed for data gathering purposes. The findings indicate that child abuse and neglect occurs in all cultural, ethnic, religion, and occupational, also socioeconomic groups. Beside that, lack of understanding about types, causes of child abuse and neglect, lack of understanding the Islamic teachings among society is another factors contributing to be these symptoms. Finally, the impression that harsh punishment is the only way to discipline children among the parents should be correction.